DML Tiger I

[Evan August]

While taking a break from the Pakwagen and working on some figures, I picked up Dragon's Tiger. A real great kit and fun to build too. I was working on the gun assembly, here are some pics and info as I found the instructions a little confusing. There are three options which involve a choice of plastic or metal barrels. I chose the metal barrel. There are also several optional gun mantlets. The first step was to glue the gun tube, A20, to the mantlet. Parts C19 and 25 were then glue to the mantlet and the machine gun, C27, was installed. So far, so good. It gets a little confusing when it comes to adding the breach to the barrel. Here's how I did it. The barrel is slipped in through the gun tube. There is a groove at the end of the barrel, this is where a retainer, A9, attaches, as seen below. The instructions did not quite make this clear, it looks like it glues between pieces A4 and A23, but it has to go on the barrel first like in the pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/Picture079.jpg

[James Tainton]

woohoo bring it!
I have a couple of these and Stuke is not doing his cause a work so maybe you can lead us down the trail on this one.

[Evan August]

Now the next step. Push the barrel in a little so you have some room to work in, then it attaches to A23.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/Picture080.jpg

It goes in like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/Picture082.jpg

[Evan August]

Now the top part, A4, goes on with the retainer sandwhiched in between the two. Then just push it forward into position and glue it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/Picture088.jpg

[RC_Hill]

I've had mine done for a while, I just need to paint it, which I have been just kind of lazy to do.... I hate painting, but I love building!

[Hagar]

Finished mine a bit ago. Havent taken any pics of the paint job though. I'm not sure if its still there but posted some pics in its primer a couple of months ago. If anyone is interested I will take pics and post.

[James Tainton]

yep let's see it

[Evan August]

Well, it's been a few months, but here are some pics of the Tiger a little closer to completion.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/81cc5a45.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/3acd262b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/18863d5e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/eaugust/DML%20Tiger%201%20Initial/9369bb5f.jpg

I would have added the Gum-Ka PE grilles this week, but I forgot to bring them home with me (along with some clean shirts :lol: ) As you can see, I decided to use the cover on the radio man's MG. The metal tow hooks have been added on the rear as well. I used the PE option for the fenders, though you can't see it because they recieved some Mr. Surfacer. Next step will be all those little PE tool clamps. I'm a little concerned because I glued the idler wheel in place, I've read that you should wait until tracks are installed before gluing it.

[Larry Bates]

Looks Good Evan,

Thats one sweet Tiger, please keep us up to date and posted as much as possible with your busy schedule. ;)

Larry

[Evan August]

Thanks Larry. The Tiger's going back with me tomorrow, so I hope I can have it done (at least assembled and primed anyway) before New Year. All my Tiger books are at school, so I'll be able to check my refs for the details as I finish it off.

[Evan August]

OK, I screwed up and glued the idler wheels in too early. So what to do? I cut them off with a razor saw. Now I'm gluing a length of Evergreen rod (.08 ") through the hull, to make an axle for the idlers. Sorry no pics, as I don't have a camera now.

[Uruk-Hai]

Wouldnt it be better to use a brassord instead as it would be much sturdier?

Cheers

[Evan August]

Probably. But since I don't have any, I'll go with the plastic. Really it only needs to be there to help align the idlers when I glue them on, so I'm not to concerned about it. Thanks for the tip though!